Joseph F. Kelly

Wareham- Joseph F. Kelly, 92 of Onset, died Aug. 20, 2023 at Tobey Hospital surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Barbara H. (Moore) Kelly who passed away Feb. 16, 2020. They were only 4 months shy of their 65th wedding anniversary.

Born in Pawtucket, R.I., he was the son of the late Thomas M. Kelly (1894-1934) and Mary F. (McClure) Kelly (1895-1972).

Mr. Kelly graduated with honors from Pawtucket East High School, class of 1948. He attended Brown University where he studied interior design and North Shore Community College for accounting.

Mr. Kelly began his career at the former Pawtucket Memorial Hospital working in the laundry and later became foreman of that department. It was there he would meet the love of his life, a student nurse with whom he would marry on June 11, 1955 at St. Leo’s Church, also in Pawtucket, R.I. His career would lead him to the Waltham Hospital and later Faulkner Hospital both as laundry manager. He retired from the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, MA. as manager of the housekeeping, security, laundry and fire and safety departments.

Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, it was through his wife he became acquainted with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, now the Community of Christ Church. He was baptized in 1966 and became an ordained minister holding the offices of Deacon and Priest before becoming an Elder in 1986. He held the office of Elder until his passing. He was the Pastor of the Community of Christ-Onset Congregation for 10 years.

Mr. Kelly performed countless baby blessings (including his grandchildren), baptisms and confirmations. Mr. Kelly also traveled throughout New England preaching and would extensively research the scripture theme of the day. He was always prepared with an extra sermon in his pocket, just in case.

But his cherished role was his devotion to his late wife Barbara and their beloved children, Timothy J. Kelly and wife Margaret of Grain Valley, MO and Cynthia K. Souza and her husband Robert of Acushnet.

He was the proud grandfather of Sarah E. Duncan of Kansas City, MO; Joshua C. Spreeman and Charlie D. Kelly of Grain Valley, Mo., Evan K. and Ian J. Souza of Acushnet.

 Mr. Kelly was the grandfather of the late Jared R. Souza. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and members of his beloved church family.

He was the brother of the late Alban C. Kelly and Edward R. Kelly.

A Celebration of Life Service for both Joseph and Barbara, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Community of Christ-Youth Chapel, 32 Zarahemla Rd., Onset, MA. A reception will immediately follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community of Christ-Onset Congregation, P.O. Box 1429, Onset, MA. 02558.

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